Ione Challborn

Ione Challborn's Story

Tell me a bit about yourself.

Hmmm. I believe in the transformative power of education and mentorship; I believe in service and kindness; I believe in hard work. I love to laugh. I believe in the goodness of people and that we all have the capacity to grow, change, and become our best selves.

How long have you lived in Edmonton?

I moved to Edmonton when I was 18 to attend the U of A. I lived in a small community two hours west of Edmonton. My mother was a school teacher there and my father was a journeyman carpenter. My drawer in the Chemistry Lab at the U of A had more supplies than the science room in my school.

Tell me about some of your hobbies and interests.

I love reading, gardening and belong to a dinner club. I like to know how to do things; fix what needs to be fixed, make what can be made. I rotate my reading through the following cycles: a book on leadership, a book on mental health, a nonfiction book and then ‘free reading’. I like to support Canadian authors when I can.

What is something that you are most proud of?

My beautiful daughter, beautiful inside and out. Margot is a Vanier Scholar and is beginning her third year of her PhD in Political Science at the University of Alberta.

What is your approach to philanthropy and community?

Service; why say no when you can say yes?

Why do you support United Way?

I support United Way because of its community impact, strategic thinking and bold goals.

What inspired you to give?

Seeing first-hand the difference a gift to United Way makes in the community.

How long have you been supporting United Way?

For 10 years.

Why is it important to give back to your community?

Because I live in the community; it is my obligation to support the community in being the best it can be not only for those who live here now, but to contribute to a legacy for our city of the future.

Is there anything else you want to share?

2016 Donors

Alex Grams

Outdoor Enthusiast

Amy Dixon

Abstract Painter

Greg Johnston

Aspiring Golfer

Christine Miller

Travel Lover

Chris Rattray

Proud Parent

Kevin Hung

Marathon Runner

John Wilson

Mountain Biker

Ione Challborn

Avid Reader

I believe that communities thrive when there is an interdependent culture and we’re all looking out for one another. I give back because I am able to and hope to ensure others in similar positions to do the same so that we can work together to help alleviate poverty.

Any of those agencies, if you walk in and see the work that they’re doing, you’d want to give them all of your money because you see that they do such amazing work. It’s mind-boggling the work that people do and the passion that they have.

I’m most proud of a solid, three-decades and counting marriage, and two healthy, happy children. Our sons have chosen somewhat unconventional careers, proving they are both smarter and more courageous than their father.

I believe it is part of our responsibility to give back in any way I can to make the community stronger. Additionally, a lot of the people that are dealing with poverty in our community are suffering from some type of mental health issue. Through family, I have seen the impacts of mental health issues and thus trying to make a positive impact in the lives of people with mental health issues is close to home.

I would call myself a weekend warrior runner. I’ve run 7 marathons and over 50 half marathons in 8 years. I tend to do more “run-cations” as an excuse to travel to somewhere else and just casually run the marathon to enjoy the sights.

Because we're all in this together! I want to live in a community where we share a collective responsibility to help each other live the best lives we can. When someone struggles with health issues, access to education, or overwhelming poverty it effects all of us. This is one small way that I can contribute to building a better community for all of us to enjoy together.

I believe in the transformative power of education and mentorship; I believe in service and kindness; I believe in hard work. I love to laugh. I believe in the goodness of people and that we all have the capacity to grow, change, and become our best selves.